The art of the racket photo#
Let's be honest: most used racket listings look like they were photographed during an earthquake in a dimly lit cupboard. Don't be that seller.
Good photos sell rackets. Bad photos get ignored. It's that simple.
A well-photographed racket sells 3x faster than one with blurry, poorly-lit images. We see it in our marketplace data every single day.
The five-photo formula
- Full front face - Clean background, good light, entire racket visible
- Full back face - Same as above, other side
- Close-up of the face - Show the surface condition clearly
- Edge/frame shot - Show any chips, scratches, or wear
- Grip close-up - Grip condition matters more than people think
Pricing: the sweet spot#
Here's our pricing framework based on what actually sells on EpicRackets:
| Condition | Price vs. New RRP |
|---|---|
| Like new (1-5 uses) | 65-75% |
| Good (regular use, no damage) | 45-60% |
| Fair (visible wear, fully functional) | 30-45% |
| Well-loved (heavy wear) | 15-30% |
Key insight: Last season's models drop 15-20% in perceived value the moment the new version launches, regardless of actual condition. Time your listing accordingly.
Writing a listing that converts#
Skip the novel. Buyers want facts:
- Brand and exact model name
- Year/season
- Weight (if you know it)
- Condition rating (be honest)
- Reason for selling (builds trust)
- Whether original packaging is included
Three sentences of description max. Nobody reads paragraphs in a marketplace listing.
The psychology of "why are you selling?"#
Adding your reason builds trust. Good reasons:
- "Upgraded to a heavier model"
- "Switching from round to teardrop"
- "Got given a new one as a gift"
- "Played 10 times, padel isn't for me"
All of these tell the buyer: nothing is wrong with this racket.
Ship fast, get reviewed#
Once sold, ship within 24 hours. Fast shipping = good reviews = your next racket sells faster. It's a virtuous cycle.
Pack it properly. A racket case or bubble wrap and a sturdy box. Damaged-in-transit claims are nobody's friend.
If you're wondering what to buy next, our first padel racket buying guide covers how to think about shapes, weights, and materials. And if you're curious why selling matters beyond your wallet, the sustainability case for pre-owned gear puts some real numbers behind it.
